The R&C aluminum head dyno test

Kdancy

What ever happened with the R&C aluminum head dyno test that was supposed to be done almost two years ago?

Kdancy

Link to the proposed testing and donations to help out-
http://www.classiccar.com/forum/discussion/comment/136312#Comment_136312

Browniepetersen

I guess we need a post from Randy. I expect that I am going to be rebuilding my engine in the next year or two. I have not pulled my 308 head to see what is under it yet. But when I do, should I clean up my 308 or go with the new Aluminum head?

[Deleted User]

Stay away from trying to hop up your Hornet engine. All you will do is give yourself headaches, as you will have to keep changing head gaskets. Build a good street engine like I did and enjoy many miles with no headaches. My engine just recorded 142,000 miles, 12 cross country trip across this country, ocean to ocean, and has never been touched. Nor- Cal members can verify this statement. Hudson was going to build 7X engines but their law firm made them drop the idea. I was with a Hudson dealer and saw the letters. They ended up making a 7X block, bored .030 over and 10 under mains and rods. All other work had to be done by the dealer, as the pistons, rings, and bearings were in the trunk. No engine came with big valves. If you ordered severe parts, they also were in the trunk. The dealer I was with would not order any of these parts, as the dealer had to stand by with the warranty, not the factory. Walt.

[Deleted User]

Sure-be glad to expain. My wife has been seriously ill for the past few years requiring total care. She has Mulitple Systems Atropy (MSA) brought on by chemo treatment after surgery for stage 3 ovarian cancer which she had a 8 lb tumor. I believe they used an experimental chemo drug on her that damaged her brain. As of a couple years ago she is not able to walk, has to have her diaper changed and feed. Ten days ago I put her in Mason City Area Nursing Home. I had enough. Knowing this was going to happen I sold my funeral home last Oct. and have semi retired. I am working back part time now as an employee. This has not been an easy decision since I did not want to sell until I had my 50 years in. Anyway the motor is ready to dyno and all I have to do is get the 262 head close to the cc's of the new head. Hopefully I can get this done and out of the way this fall. Thanks to Russell he saw that my dream garage was completed this spring so that I can get back to my favorite past-time building motors and pouring bearings this fall. For those of you that would like a refund please post your name and address and I will see that it is taken care of. For the others thank you for your patience and understanding.

[Deleted User]

Just a few thoughts on hopping up your hudson. I have successfully done this to several engines. The 7X motor is nothing but a very mild street motor by todays standard and gives you a lot better performance. I have one hudson that has been on the Hot Rod Power Tour twice and 0 problems and he has my super street .402-276 performance cam and averaged 14-16 mpg. The biggest problem we had was the increase in compression we wanted which lead to compression seepage into the cooling system which caused heating problems. That has been corrected with the new composition head gaskets we now have available. We had seeping of compression with stock motors but not as severe. Yes, back in the '50-'60's there were problems. We have better engine parts with better materials used and better oils today for long term performance. Just my opinion. I know others will disagree and thats ok.

MikeWA

Very sorry to hear that life has dealt you and your wife a rough hand, Randy. Sure sounds like you did everything you could to help her, but at some point, you just have to face the fact that there's not always a happy ending. I think you did the right thing.

After putting your own life to the side for so long, its good that you're going to be able to get back to it now, to whatever extent you are able. We need to put things in perspective, and this whole Hudson thing is just a hobby, after all, and pales in comparison to our real lives and loved ones.

Browniepetersen

There is no way that I can express my feelings for what you, your wife and family are going through. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. As Mike has said above this is just a hobby and the cars are there to bring us into a large family. It is and always will be about people. Best wishes as you move on.

Kdancy

Randy I am so sorry that life had dealt you this blow. I know from some personal experience, that disease is a tough roe for anyone to hoe.
as far as the dyno work, I think all anyone hoped for was some communicatin. it's been my experience that communication is key and the lack of it is always a bad sign.
I personally want to see all the work that Rudy and Chuck put into their design validated. If it is, if Empire is not casting anymore, maybe another casting company can be found that will do it and live up to expectations.

Ol racer

FYI
Gosh, If anyone feels they have poor health problems all they need to do is look around to see some people may have things far worse....

Regarding modifying Hudson's, with all due respect to others opinions, Hornet's are very ripe for simple changes to enhance their performance potential, especially with todays technology and Randy Maas proven expertise on Hornet modifications over the past decade.... Dbl RollerTiming Chains, Advance Timing keyways, Larger Valves, ARP Studs, More Cam Grinds, Electronic Ign, Machining the Blocks, Transmission Adaptors, Complete Rebuilds, Tech Advice, just to mention a some that Randy provides.......

(Unlike back when a kid, (and before Jack Clifford Inline Perf), crudely relieving the blocks using my Dad's 'bench grinder' boring 125, then researched Manuals to learn Chrysler pistons had same Pin height, milled the domes to install, and discovered GMC V6 2" Intake Valves had 11/32 Stems, then installed using a 70 degree 'cutter' with a portable Valve grinder, installed a 262 head then suprisingly won many races against V8's after building out in the backyard.)...

[Deleted User]

All depends on your personal point of view and what you want to do. My 51 is a comfy near stock cruiser with some mods here and there. Then I have two 54's a Hollywood and a Sedan both 7X powered with mods so diabolical I dare not utter them here for fear of shaking the tea cup tray. To each his own and Hudsons love to be mod for performance they just love it. At least the ones I am hanging around with but they are a bunch of reprobates the lot of them.

Kdancy

Any progress on the dyno work for Rudy and Chuck (B&F) head?

Kdancy

B&F head running on engine. The head has now been run over 6,000 miles with no issues.
http://s294.photobucket.com/user/studebaker2/library/New Hudson Head?sort=3&page=1

Ken, I tried attaching a file like normal and it's not working.

[Deleted User]

Always wondered how they flow tested this head did they build a flow bench rig for this? I see a volume test in the pics. There is only so much you can do on a flat head unless this head is coming with a suggested block machining guide to optimize the flow. Would love to see the dyno test.

Ol racer

FYI

I would think with the few early Aluminum B&F designed Heads that have ran thousands of miles now without problem would be sufficient enough to persue casting more Heads for Highway Use, (however, with Empire's tarished reputation and long history of prior deceptive Business pratices. I would not recommend dealing with them
Its a shame the B&F Head isnt being produced by a reputable Business.The majority of Buyers would be Highway Users anyway because potentially more power than a stock aluminum head along a great appearance with Fins.The B&F Head has to far better than the old Edmunds Fin Head that sells over a Grand (when you can find one), and its doubtful any power increased over a Hudson Aluminum Head.... Just my opinion

Kdancy

The B&F head had some design changes made and should produce more power, that is what the dyno test would prove one way or the other.
Does anyone have a communication line open with Randy where they can find out the status of the test?

Kdancy

Ken, I think we read that when Randy posted, aug/20 (the motor is ready to dyno)----
It's almost October with no further communication and October 2010 since some donations were given to Randy. Afterwards he said he was doing the dyno testing in January of 2011.
I don't think following up is too much to ask of anyone and I have to believe Randy would agree.

Kdancy

Rudy's test stand!

[Deleted User]

I agree. Whats your address, i need to sent you a refund.

Randy

Kdancy

Randy,
I sent you a PM with my address -----

Thanks!

54Hollywood

That is a beautiful engine! Where can I find those air cleaners to dress up our '54 Hollywood? Are they available? Thanks.

Tim in WI.

essexcoupe3131

the engine is a piece of art
something to be proud of as well as
going hard and strong
Mike

[Deleted User]

Kdancy

No email in my box. Try maasfh@centurylink.net

Kdancy

Randy, when I click on my "inbox" on this site, it shows the message sent to you.
Anyway, I will try your e-mail.
Tim and Mike,
Hopefully, Rudy will comment on the engine.
his note to me --

The 1951 Hudson Super-Six Has my Latest 308 eng with the B and F Alum head. It now has about 6000 miles on it with all new parts inside. ( it is now 318 CI ) This B and F head is not Grooved.
Been driving it for 45 years + my x drag car.

After installing the new head--

After all ,when you can feel the difference by the seat of your paints and Smoke the back wheels *:)

(:

super651

Tim in Wi, The filters are K-N and the part # is RA-077V from Summit at 32.97 each and from K-N it is RA-077V at 48.99 each (same part) The flange ID is the same as a Carter-WGD 2- barrel carb. You can get an pipe adaptor from a parts house to adapt it to the WA-1 carbs.
Look up the part # in the K-N filter guideline and it will show you the size and a picture of it.
It wall also fit the WGD-Carter 2-barrel carb without and adaptor.
Hope this helps. Hudsonly Rudy

54Hollywood

Rudy,
Thanks for the info about the K&N filters. What did you use for the "308" numbers on the tops of the filters? A very nice touch!

Tim in WI.

super651

Pep Boys Has sets of them ,also letters . They are chrome plated. One local Hudson owner used them on the front of his 1954 Hudson Hood, but used the letters H O R N E T to replace the Hudson. They have a 3-M stick backing.

RL Chilton

Kerry-
Sent you a PM.

54Hollywood

Thanks for the info, I appreciate it. Again, a beautiful engine. I can afford the air cleaners, wish I could afford the head! :-)

Tim in WI.

RL Chilton

No one can afford the heads . . . they're not available.

SuperDave

made of unobtainium.